Community Matters

Mr. Michael Polkabla describes the initial County of Monterey and EPA responses to the January 16, 2025 Moss 300 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Fire, how he worked with the Community to organize the widespread surface sampling for heavy metals and helped publish the results on the Never Again Moss Landing website.  Watch for his forthcoming professional paper.  https://neveragainmosslanding.org/resources/

Mr. Ed Mitchell discusses the problems with the Vistra Moss 300 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility that contributed to the fire disaster on January 16, 2025, why it is good news Vistra is now decommissioning the Moss 100 BESS facility, and his thoughts on the Santa Cruz County BESS Draft Ordinance. https://neveragainmosslanding.org/

Hour One: Meet the new President of Cabrillo College, Dr. Jenn Capps, joined by Marketing & Communications Director Ms. Kristin Fabos.  Dr. Capps guided the change at Humboldt University to become Cal Polytechnic Humboldt.  How does she envision Cabrillo College in the future?  I think you will like what you hear! https://www.cabrillo.edu/president/ Hour Two: Mr. Lee Butler, Planning Director for the City of Santa Cruz, explains why downtown areas are changing and what we can expect in the future.  State legislation has robbed local jurisdictions like Santa Cruz of discretion in large projects.  Developers are now more interested in building and the City is interested in building an economically vibrant downtown area that will bring 1600 new living units on board, with 320 of them deemed "affordable".  Listen in and learn how you can get involved in projects in your neighborhood...early!  Mr. Butler's background:  https://takistalk.com/lee-butler-santa-cruz/ City Projects: https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Community-Development/Current-Planning/Significant-Projects-Planning https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Community-Development/Long-Range-Policy-Planning/Ordinance-Policy-Updates/Downtown-Plan-Expansion

Hour One: Mr. Bob Broussard, current Foreperson of the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury, describes the work of the Civil Grand Jury, the investigations that lead to improved local government and how people can volunteer to participate in the 2026-2027 Civil Grand Jury. https://www.santacruz.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-grand-jury   Hour Two: Dr. Mijin Cha, UCSC Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies, affiliate faculty in the legal studies department, and on the Faculty Advisory Board at the UCSC Center for Labor and Community. She is also a Fellow at Cornell University’s Climate Jobs Institute  and authored the book A Just Transition for All: Workers and Communities for a Carbon-Free Future was published by MIT Press in Dec. 2024 https://mijincha.com/about-me/ Dr. Cha discusses the implications of transitioning energy sources from fossil fuel  to solar and wind, but cautions the real implications of the battery energy storage systems (BESS)  required that may merely shift the health and safety risks as well as pollution related to mineral mining to other disenfranchised communities.  She emphasizes the importance of full and early engagement of the Communities affected to support social and environmental justice and government transparency, focusing on the People more than the profits related. Please visit "People of Red Mountain" re: Lithium mining on sacred Tribal lands: https://peopleofredmountain.com/    

Hour One: Dr. Xiaoliang Wang, Director of Atmospheric Sciences Graduate Program at University of Nevada, Reno, is the principal investigator of projects to study lithium-ion battery fire emissions and suppression, vehicle tailpipe and non-tailpipe (brake, tire, and road wear) emissions, emissions from mining fleets, industrial stacks, and fugitive dust sources in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region in Alberta, Canada. https://www.dri.edu/directory/xiaoliang-wang/   What about the data gaps in the Region 9 EPA air quality monitoring at the Moss Landing Battery Fire, January 16-18, 2025? View his presentation at the 7/24/2025 State Fire Marshal BESS Safety Symposium regarding the Moss Landing Battery Fire (begin at Minute 6:48:30): Battery Energy Storage Systems Fire Safety Symposium Hour Two: Update on Santa Cruz County Draft BESS Ordinance with caller contribution.  Also, an interview with Ms. Mila Boiko...her journey to help her daughter and an elderly woman...and what she has learned about "the system".

Due to technical difficulties, today's program is very short, but includes updates on February 3 Monterey County Board of Supervisor actions re: Moss Landing BESS Fire Clean Up and anticipated March 17 Report to the Board, updates on Santa Cruz County's Draft BESS Ordinance and upcoming February 10 meeting in Watsonville as opportunity for public comments on BESS, and critical questions we need to ask the Ag. Policy Advisory Commission (APAC) at their February 19 meeting.  Can they really justify removing prime ag land from production to build a large BESS facility when Measure J prohibits doing so?

Hour One: Mr. Drew Bohan, Executive Director of California Energy Commission (CEC), discusses the process for Opt-In Certification of large non-fossil fuel power facilities and energy storage systems that streamlines permitting process.  The CEC makes the decisions, not local land-use agencies, but does that mean local authorities are ignored and powerless???Listen in! AB 205 Opt-In Fact Sheet: https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2024-06/Opt-In_Certification_Fact_Sheet_ada.pdf dashboard of current Opt-In Projects: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/60636fa7f262449f8f033a74b0ccc763    Hour Two: Interview with Ms. Ashley Bridges, Pajaro Valley Loaves & Fishes Executive Director discusses the work to help feed 80-100 families daily with the help of many volunteers.  Since beginning in 1989 in response to the great need of many displaced by the Loma Prieta Earthquake, this wonderful organization helps nourish people and support the Community.  Listen in and learn how to help! https://www.pvloavesandfishes.org/

2:06pm-3pm, Guest Gillian Greensite will discuss the impending action of Santa Cruz City Council to erase the public's involvement in large construction projects in a broad swath of town if there is affordable housing involved, and to make it easier for developers to chop down large heritage trees. Santa Cruz is facing a critical moment. Recent decisions by the city's planning commission to eliminate public hearings for 100% affordable housing projects could have far-reaching implications not just for community involvement, but also for the environment.  The proposed Affordable Housing Overlay District would cover approximately 15% of the build-able area of the City. Other cities have far smaller overlay zones or are going project by project to evaluate if public hearings are required. Santa Cruz is going for the max . If approved, there will be no public hearings held at meetings of the City Council or Planning Commission for 100% affordable housing projects in the proposed overlay district. Current protection for heritage trees will end for projects within the Overlay District as well as for heritage trees on adjacent properties if within ten feet of the project. https://www.change.org/p/keep-public-hearings-for-all-large-housing-projects-in-santa-cruz Speak up at Santa Cruz City Council meetings about this...even though it has seemingly been continued on the January 27 agenda.   3:06pmWason -3:15pm, Guest Jim Wason will detail Ham Radio Preparedness and Winter Field Day, happening this Saturday at the Santa Cruz Sheriff Posse Center (2127 Ocean Street Extension, in Santa Cruz). https://winterfieldday.org/ Learn more about the venue: https://www.sccsp.org/   3:15pm-4pm, Guest Ed Mitchell will discuss what the EPA is and is not doing at the Moss Landing Vistra Battery Energy Storage (BESS) site.  What do we know?  What is the EPA and Vistra NOT telling us?  "Never Again Moss Landing", a grassroots group continues to actively press for answers, one year after the massive toxic fire at the largest BESS in the world: https://neveragainmosslanding.org/  

One year ago today, the Moss 300 lithium battery storage facility in Moss Landing erupted in massive toxic flames.  Dedicating this program to those who have come together to seek the truth about what happened and why. Hour One: Nina Audino describes questions re: environmental analysis and regulatory holes in the Santa Cruz County Draft Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) rules Supervisors approved 1/13/2026, relying heavily on information conjured by 90 Minto Road developer.  No large-scale fire testing, no plume modelling,no seismic regulation.  No public comment??? Donate to legal fund necessary to protect agricultural land and challenge siting 90 Minto Road project next to densely-populated working-class neighborhoods: https://www.stoplithiumbessinsantacruz.org/ Hour Two: Scott Smith, Blue Shirt Justice League and Government Accountability Project leader, discusses the EPA cover-ups and lack of accountability to people harmed by major environmental disasters, such as East Palestine, Ohio,  Roseland, Louisiana, and Moss Landing, California. Joined by ASPECT whistleblower Dr. Robert Kroutil, discovery that EPA reported only a narrow and incomplete subset of chemicals detected in Roseland disaster between August 22–27, due to fundamental failures in data analysis and interpretation. These failures mark a pattern of ASPECT's negligent use after similar evidence in East Palestine which showed ASPECT being turned off over key waterways and only recording eight minutes of data. https://whistleblower.org/press/epa-aspect-flyover-data-confirms-chemicals-found-by-independent-tester-after-smittys-supply-explosion/   https://goblueshirtjustice.org/

First Hour: Gary Patton discusses the 1978 Voter Referedum Measure J's importance in continuing to preserve agricultural lands, require 15% affordable housing in new subdivision projects, define the urban services line and require an annual County Growth Goal that reflects the County's fair share of the State's growth.  It can only be changed by the vote of the people...so how can the County Draft BESS Ordinance remove acres of farmland for utility grid battery energy storage use????   Second Hour: Three Guests who are local activists  speak out about public safety problems with the County BESS Ordinance: Carol Bjorn:The importance of preserving agricultural land and demanding full EIR. Opt out of Central Coast Energy (3CE) because they support siting lithium BESS in our neighborhoods. https://3cenergy.org/billing/energy-choices/opt-out/ ('Ban Lithium BESS in Santa Cruz County' meets 1st & 3rd Mondays at Porter Library, Soquel, at 6:30pm) Phillip Carranco: Local activist and internationally -known regulatory policy expert: The County used very little of his professionally-developed BESS Ordinance gifted to them, such as seismic safety requirements and enforcement with large fines. Karell Reader, local farmer and activist with 'Stop Lithium BESS in Santa Cruz County' shares concerns that Planning Dept. is too vague on environmental review of the BESS Ordinance and the 90 Minto Road BESS Project in Watsonville...the two are mingled and confusing and the public may not have opportunities to weigh in with concerns  SUPPORT THE ATTORNEY THIS GROUP HAS HIRED TO SAVE THE AG LANDS IN OUR COUNTY: https://www.stoplithiumbessinsantacruz.org/   learn more about the County BESS Ordinance and MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD ON JANUARY 13 AT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISOR MEETING IN SCOTTS VALLEY (WHY AREN'T THEY DISCUSSING THIS IN WATSONVILLE, WHERE THEIR ACTIONS WILL HAVE A GREAT IMPACT ON THE RESIDENTS THERE!) https://cdi.santacruzcountyca.gov/UPC/GetInvolved/MajorProjectApplications/BatteryEnergyStorageSystemsOrdinance.aspx

1) Interview with Ms. Sarah Beck, Executive Director of Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries as a participant in the Santa Cruz Gives campaign:  https://www.friendsofsantacruzlibraries.org/  https://santacruzgives.org/nonprofit/friendsofsantacruzlibraries/   2) Interview with Ms. Loreal Weitzel, Executive Director of Arukah Project, a local non-profit organization providing support and immediate assistance for victims of human sex trafficking.  Your donations will help make the Hope House available for immediate safe shelter and medical attention when those ensnared in human trafficking call for help. https://www.arukahproject.org/ The need exists now and is anticipated to spike as two large events (Superbowl and World Cup Series) occur in the next few weeks next door in Santa Clara County.

Hour One: Friends of the Santa Cruz Library - Sarah Beck, Executive Director      https://www.friendsofsantacruzlibraries.org/      https://santacruzgives.org/nonprofit/friendsofsantacruzlibraries/ Arukah Project - Loreal Weitzel, Executive Director  https://www.arukahproject.org/   Help fund the HOPE House to provide a safe place for human trafficking survivors to go, escape violence, and begin to restore their lives.   Second Hour experienced an area-wide power failure that stopped an interview with Dawn Berreras of Second Harvest Food Bank due to the Santa Cruz Voice studio equipment going offline.      https://www.thefoodbank.org/      https://santacruzgives.org/nonprofit/secondharvest/ Unfortunately, we were unable to interview Pajaro Valley Loaves & Fishes - Ashley Bridges, Director      https://pvloavesandfishes.org/      https://santacruzgives.org/nonprofit/pvloavesandfishes/

  2:05pm - Ms. Rosalina Nunez, Supervising Attorney for Senior Legal Services describes helping elderly navigate legal issues, including senior benefits, landlord / tenant issues, advanced care directives, and elder abuse.  Your donation can help provide free legal service  to anyone over 60 years and a resident of Santa Cruz or San Benito County who would otherwise not be helped.       https://seniorlegal.org/       https://santacruzgives.org/nonprofit/seniorlegal/   2:35pm- Consider other local non-profits also doing great work in the Community: Rising Worldwide: Donate to help prevent child trafficking and to support trafficked survivors: https://risingworldwide.org/ Arukah Project: Helping survivors of human trafficking to escape and heal: https://www.arukahproject.org/ Santa Cruz VISTA Center: Helping blind and visually-impaired people in our Community: https://vistacenter.org/        3:05pm - Ms. Carmen Herra Mansir, Executive Director, describes how El Pajaro Community Development Corporation helps local Latina women begin and develop their small businesses and farms. You can donate to their in-house lending program and help provide the much-needed funding to help launch a new business and independence.       https://elpajarocdc.org/       https://santacruzgives.org/nonprofit/elpajarocdc/           3:35pm - Mr. Luis Mejia - Interim Executive Director, Jacobs Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services describes the work to help over 125 families in Santa Cruz County who have children battling cancer.  Your donation will help provide food, transportation to medical appointments and family counseling to ease the stress of the diagnosis and treatments.       https://www.jacobsheart.org/       Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services

Hour One: Discussion of  Rising Worldwide event and human trafficking in Santa Cruz County; update on Santa Cruz County BESS rules, and what the County Board of Supervisors have on consent agenda upcoming. 2:30pm Guest Mr. Amin AbuAmara, Director of Capital Improvement Projects for Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) discusses status of Highway One and Rail Trail projects. Hour Two: Mr. Jon Kennedy, one of three private well representatives on the Santa Cruz Midcounty Groundwater Agency (MGA) discusses the state of the area's groundwater and what private well owners need to know.  Upcoming meeting 12/11/2025 at Capitola Library at 6pm. https://www.midcountygroundwater.org/

Hour One: Roberta Roberts and Pete Johnson describe how Amateur Radio helped over 100 Search & Rescue volunteers in challenging terrain, interacting with volunteers from many agencies from throughout California.   Hour Two: Update on Monterey and Santa Cruz County large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects, new rules and Supervisor actions.  Also, update from Kris Kirby, transplanted from Santa Cruz County to Grants Pass, Oregon...visiting Washington, D.C, and running for County Election Clerk!

Hour One: Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church discusses why Board's decision to reject a moratorium on large battery energy storage system (BESS) projects will help move the County to develop the rules to regulate where they are allowed and safety requirements for how they operate. Contact him with thoughts on BESS issues: https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/board-of-supervisors/district-2-glenn-church Phillip Carranco, internationally-recognized regulatory policy expert with local connections, discusses the Draft BESS Ordinance document he wrote, based on the California Governor's Business Office BESS Ordinance template, to assist local jurisdictions such as Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Hour Two: Continued discussion with Phillip Carranco re: the importance of strong regulation, what happens when a BESS developer goes to the State Energy Commission (CEC) instead of local jurisdictions for licensing and operation permits, and how can people weigh in to make a difference?   Karell Reader, an organic apple farmer in Santa Cruz County, joins the conversation with questions about agricultural zoning, public safety, and how to effectively approach decision-makers to strengthen BESS rules for benefit of the people  and environment. 

Hour One: Interview with Capitola Resident Tom Ginsburg: how the Bulb Ave. neighborhood has come together to present reasonable, fact-based discussions to the Capitola City Council as large, dense development projects are proposed (philosophy of BRIMBY...Be Respectful In My BackYard).  The Capitola City Council's actions were responsive.   Hour Two: Interview with Nina Beety, local Resident and Researcher, discusses the harmful sonar geophysical mapping work in the Monterey Bay Canyon that MBARI continues to do in the name of science, using sound waves at 191db-221db but now increasing to 237db with the new David Packard research vessel.  The US Air Force has determined that inaudible sound is lethal at 150db.  Why is MBARI harming our marine life for the sake of mapping that could be done with other, non-harmful methods??? This work is permitted by the California State Lands Commission...please protest! https://www.slc.ca.gov/meetings/

Hour 1: News about release of Santa Cruz County's new rules for siting potentially flammable and explosive large battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in neighborhoods.  Info from Nina Audion, leader of Stop Lithium BESS in Santa Cruz County.   Hour 2: Interview with Wendy Core, Michael Lovejoy, and Travis DeYoung from Vets 4 Vets.  How local Veterans are helping one another to create a Community to overcome isolation, family emergencies, housing and health needs where gaps exist among other local services. Thank a Veteran for their service! https://www.vets4vetssantacruz.org/

Hour One: Supervisor Glenn Church discusses importance of proposed BESS moratorium in Monterey County to enable careful drafting of BESS Ordinance; Nina Audino (Stop Lithium BESS in Santa Cruz County) discusses safety problems with current lithium BESS technology and what Santa Cruz County Draft BESS Ordinance could include to protect public safety. Hour Two: Brian Roeder (Never Again Moss Landing) discusses his TRIM idea to monitor lithium battery abuse and degradation in real time, and support public safety with information on lithium BESS project status at risk of explosion and fire.  Nina Audino joins in with ideas for people to take action and support public safety issues as Santa Cruz and Monterey County agencies develop a draft BESS Ordinance. Never forget that a small group of informed and caring people can make a big difference in their Community! https://neveragainmosslanding.org/resources/ https://www.stoplithiumbessinsantacruz.org/ https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/board-of-supervisors/district-2-glenn-church

Hour One and Hour Two: Today, 36 years ago, the Loma Prieta Earthquake shook the land and souls of our area.  Centered in Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos but reverberating into the Bay Area, it was a BIG event that many remember.   I am honored to host  Mr. Sandy Lydon, local historian, for the full two hours as my Guest,  describing what happened that day and thereafter.  For many years, he led groups into Nisene Marks State Park to the Epicenter, bringing history to life while urging people to be prepared for the next earthquake.   Here is a link describing what happened in Watsonville:   https://pajaronian.com/remembering-loma-prieta-quake-left-watsonville-in-ruin-united-residents/

Hour 1: Santa Cruz County Supervisors plan to vote on new County battery energy storage system (BESS) projects next month.  Why is 3CE supporting dangerous lithium BESS projects in our area.  Status of 90 Minto Rd. BESS project in permit process. Hour 2: Barak Laub discusses his film " how he learned about foreign orphanages bringing in big money from tourism while taking kids away from their families, exposing kids to adults from around the world who are not screened for predatory history.  This is not illegal in the US.  Jess T. discusses her background as a child sex traffick victim, unraveling the complex web of child trafficking, and the work Rising Worldwide does to help victims safely escape and heal while also educating youth and adults to recognize the signs of trafficking grooming and recruitment via the "Safe and Sound" program in schools. Barak's film October 28 is the first in a series of films to support Rising Worldwide: https://risingworldwide.org/ Link to 2025 County Civil Grand Jury Report: Human Trafficking in Santa Cruz County: https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/Portals/0/County/GrandJury/GJ2025_final/2025-5_Human_Trafficking_Report.pdf  

Hour 1: Program dedicated to Jondi Gumz, RIP Excellent Reporter. https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/obituaries/jolande-gumz-scotts-valley/ Updates re: BESS update in Santa Cruz County: Urgent action needed! Attend the  October 8 Panel of expert discussion regarding the truth behind what happened at the Moss Landing Battery Fire (See CASI Monterey https://casicalifornia.org/event/moss-landing-battery-plant-disaster-at-edens-gate/) Kris Kirby: moving out of CA.... politics in Oregon, meeting Alex Skarlatos, who, with his two friends US Airman Spencer Stone and Anthony Sadler, in 2015 thwarted a deadly attack on a high-speed train bound for Paris Hour 2: Marta & Ilea Buliach, joined by Councilman Casey Clark,  discuss the Watsonville City Homelessness Strategic Plan (aka Homeless Action Plan) https://pajaronian.com/watsonville-city-council-passes-homelessness-act/  Why did City Staff censor the report?  Will the police enforce anything? Why are businesses suffering?

Hour One: Guest Scott Smith discusses the Moss Landing Battery Fire and the disturbing pattern of unacceptable response from agencies responsible for public safety and disaster response, urging people to work together to demand accountability and action. Preliminary soil samples align with the Never Again Moss Landing sampling data and Dr. Ivan Aielo of Moss Landing Marine Lab. Contact him at Blue Shirt Justice League: https://goblueshirtjustice.org/   Hour Two: Guest David Hurwitz discusses the upcoming October 8  "Meltdown at Moss Landing" event sponsored by the California Art & Science Institute (CASI) to provide information and discussion that is sorely missing in the Community because elected officials refuse to hold townhall meetings. https://casicalifornia.org/event/moss-landing-battery-plant-disaster-at-edens-gate/  

Hour One: Leaders of Arukah Project talk about sex trafficking in Santa Cruz County, the need for prevention and training responders to recognize the signs of trafficking,  and the challenge of being able to support increasing numbers of calls for help from victims wanting to escape and local agencies needing help with supporting human trafficking victims.  Please participate in the October 4 Annual Fundraiser! 2025 Grand Jury Report: Human Trafficking in Santa Cruz County https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/Portals/0/County/GrandJury/GJ2025_final/2025-5_Human_Trafficking_Report.pdf https://www.arukahproject.org/about-us Hour Two: Tonje, Lydia and Dylan talk about the work of the Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group to help families rebuild their homes burned in the 2020 CZU Fire and 2023 Floods.  If you or someone you know needs help rebuilding, please contact the Group. Volunteers needed to donate time, materials or money. Call  831-204-0112 website: https://www.sccltrg.org/ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Report re: CZU Fire Rebuild: https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/Portals/0/County/GrandJury/GJ2024_final/2024-6_CZU_Report_with_Responses.pdf

Hour One: New CEO of Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Ms. Dori Rose Inda, discusses her background at Salud para la Gente and social work, and now in her new role as CEO of the Fairgrounds.  What will be new for the County Fair...opening next week! Followed by a separate discussion by Host Becky re: Moss Landing Vistra Battery Fire site clean up, developments in Santa Cruz County re: BESS Ordinance and the 90 Minto Road BESS project and recommendations for contacting local fire districts to establish fire codes that are "more additive" for firefighter and public safety than what is on record now with the County. Hour Two: Cabrillo College President Dr. Matt Wetstein and PIO and Marketing Director Ms. Kristin Fabos discuss the 624-bed on-campus dormitory project shared with UCSC  that will break ground this month.  How will it be financed? How will  it be managed?  Who will live there?  What about environmental impacts?  Other critical topics, including future plans.

Hour One: Interview with Andy Caldwell, COLAB in Santa Barbara County re: Caballero Battery Energy Storage Site (BESS) approved by fire chief and planning commission because there was no ordinance in place. https://santamariatimes.com/opinion/guest/what-blows-up-in-nipomo-doesn-t-stay-in-nipomo-andy-caldwell/article_53f44592-e3fb-11ef-8f10-d39447ade7d9.html learn more about Andy Caldwell here: https://www.theandycaldwellshow.com/ Discussion of Scott Smith and August 31 "Where the Poison Is" presentation at 1pm in Prunedale Grange.  Preliminary results of his sampling and analysis of dioxin and other contaminants in the Moss Landing Vistra Fire plume areas. https://neveragainmosslanding.org/breaking-elevated-dioxins-at-6-sites/ Hour Two: Discussion of AB 303 by Assemblymember Dawn Addis to restrict placement of battery energy storage systems (BESS) near hospitals, schools, subdivisions and sensitive environmental areas; AB  434 by Assemblymember Carl DeMaio to implement a moratorium on new lithium BESS until new State fire codes are approved.  Contacting Santa Cruz County Commission on the Environment to register concerns and ideas for solutions regarding grid-scale BESS projects in the County for inclusion in Commission's summary of recent public workshops on BESS.  Discussion of importance of opposing AB 470 to save landline telephone service. Discussion of upcoming programs...Cabrillo College CEO, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds CEO, Grand Jury report "Human Trafficking in Santa Cruz County" and guests from Arukah Project.   

Hour One: Summary of Santa Cruz County Supervisor Actions re: grid-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects and draft ordinance, and Commission on the Environment Final BESS Workshop. Second District Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church discusses the current progress to clean up the Moss Landing 300 Vistra Battery Fire site, regulation updates and action to provide information to the public.  What should the Monterey County BESS Ordinance include to be effective at protecting public health and safety but not force BESS projects to dodge local jurisdictional oversight by going to the California Energy Commission because of local requirements??   Hour Two: Guests Felton Fire Chief Isaac Blum, and Board members Mr. Craig Winters and Mr. Jim Anderson discuss the recent Santa Cruz County LAFCO report on Felton Fire District Governance Options and deadline for action.  Felton Volunteers answer 900 calls/year for emergencies...how can the District continue financially and effectively?  The good news is that things are already improving!  Find out what is on the near horizon.    

Hour One: Dr. Michael Hogan describes the October 8 CASI event to provide an impartial expert panel discussion to educate the public on the impacts of lithium BESS on health,  soils and the integration within the electrical grid. https://casicalifornia.org/ Mr. John Hasar, representing Invinity discusses non-lithium flow battery technology and how it is being implemented in California. https://invinity.com/vanadium-flow-batteries/ Hour Two: Continued discussion of how the California Energy Commission process to review grid-scale BESS project applications works, citing the Compass BESS Project in the San Juan Capistrano area and the 270-day timeline.  Also discussed the Caballero BESS approved Nipomo (San Luis Obispo County), approved by Planning Commission and fire dept. because there was no County BESS Ordinance in place.  Is New Leaf Energy doing this now at the 90 Minto Road project in Watsonville? Finally, a tribute to the hard work of many who tried so hard to save the eleven heritage trees at Lot 4 Farmer Market in Santa Cruz.  The City deforested the area yesterday.   The City Council also "gave WorkBench" what they wanted at the Clocktower Appeal August 12.

HOur One: Ed Mitchel outlines lessons learned from the Moss Landing Vistra Battery Fire Disaster and offers suggestions for actions that County residents need to take as permitting of the 90 Minto Road Lithium Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) moves forward with permitting...to insist our public safety is protected!   Hour Two: Discussion of today's Felton Fire District Board meeting deliberation regarding the LAFCO deadline to take action by October 6. 2025.  Other issues that happened at the 8/5/2025 Board of Supervisors meeting re: delisting the Redman-HIrahara Farmstead from the National Historic Registry; what is HUMBL doing with our private information in the County's experimental blockchain digital wallet?

Hour One: Guests Roxanne and David discuss the update on the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission's (RTC) demand of Castle Estates and Blue & Gold Star Mobile Home owners whose homes, according to the RTC, encroach into the rail corridor and must be moved...or else. Hour Two: Brief discussion of LAFCO's Report on Felton Fire Protection District's problems, and October 6, 2025 deadline to take action or face LAFCO's selected solution. https://santacruzlafco.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Felton-FPD-Gov-Options-Rpt-7-25-25.pdf Also, a discussion by the host of updates on lithium battery energy storage system (BESS) actions and the County's Commission on the Environment BESS Workshop held July 25.    

This is the complete interview for both hours, with Hour One devoted to RTC Sarah Christensen. Hour Two: Discussion of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) issues.

Hour One: What were the takeaways of the July 24, 2025 State Fire Marshal Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Fire Safety Symposium?  Fire Officials can be driving the local BESS Ordinance for public and firefighter safety.  Questionable claims by EPA of inability to calibrate equipment at Moss Landing Vistra Battery Fire. Fire Safety Symposium: https://www.youtube.com/live/Q1yZFtaykiA   Hour Two: More BESS discussion; RTC plans for rail and trail?  A plea for help to save Redman-Hirahara Farmstead as Brd. of Sups plan to delist from National Historic Registry.

Hour One: Discussion of recent public meetings by Never Again Moss Landing https://neveragainmosslanding.org/ and Stop Lithium BESS in Santa Cruz County https://www.stoplithiumbessinsantacruz.org/ and why it is important to boycott 3CE by Opting OUT: https://3cenergy.org/billing/energy-choices/opt-out/   Hour Two: Interview with Ms. Sarah Christensen, CEO of Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) re: passenger rail project: https://www.sccrtc.org/projects/rail/zeprt/  and Highway One Expansion Projects: https://www.sccrtc.org/projects/streets-highways/hwy1/

Hour One: Ms. Skylar Sacoolas describes GreenAction and what she is doing to support the residents injured by the 2025 Moss Landing Vistra Battery Fire.  https://greenaction.org/ https://neveragainmosslanding.org/   Hour Two: Continued discussion of lithium battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects proposed in Santa Cruz County with caller Ms Nina Audino of Stop Lithium BESS in Santa Cruz County, and July 17 public meeting in Live Oak. https://www.stoplithiumbessinsantacruz.org/ Also, some discussion of the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury and six recent reports released. https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/Departments/GrandJury/2024-2025GrandJuryReportsandResponses.aspx

Hour One: Brian Peoples of Trail Now discusses recent RTC passenger rail feasibility study of $4.28 Billion Project and why rail banking and trail only should be prioritized. Caller Cami Corvin discusses related encroachment problems for Capitola mobile home park residents and updates. Hour Two: Brian Roeder of Never Again Moss Landing updates about recent meetings with EPA and Dept. of Toxic Substances regarding the clean up of the Vistra 300 Battery Fire site, facilitated by GreenAction.  Caller Nina Audino discussed Stop Lithium BESS in Santa Cruz County actions and review of Commission on Environment Workshop presentations (view Workshop video recording here): https://santacruzcountyca-my.sharepoint.com/personal/pln144_co_santa-cruz_ca_us/_layouts/15/stream.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fpln144%5Fco%5Fsanta%2Dcruz%5Fca%5Fus%2FDocuments%2FGMT20250625%2D235920%5FRecording%5F1760x900%2Emp4&nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJPbmVEcml2ZUZvckJ1c2luZXNzIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXciLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJNeUZpbGVzTGlua0NvcHkifX0&ga=1&referrer=StreamWebApp%2EWeb&referrerScenario=AddressBarCopied%2Eview%2Eb3c4cc55%2D43e1%2D43d7%2Dbfbd%2Db2ebb748a783

Hour One:  Lead Investigator Mr. Ed Mitchell discusses lack of planning and response from EPA on January 16, 2025 Moss Landing BESS Fire, how he was affected and what people need to do now. https://neveragainmosslanding.org/   Hour Two: Host Becky Steinbruner discusses history of Santa Cruz County's three proposed Battery Energy Storage Site (BESS) project sites, with latest news on the 90 Minto Road facility permitting.  Join the grassroots group demanding a countywide moratorium on grid-scale lithium BESS, an impartial panel to advise on the County's BESS Ordinance, and town hall meetings in the Community. https://www.stoplithiumbessinsantacruz.org/  

  Hour One: Guest Tim Richards discusses his rural Community's hard work to push back on having a 151' tall cell phone tower built in their backyard.   Scheduled as Item #10 on the June 10 Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisor agenda, the Community of Bonny Doon will push back on the appeal before the Board that was launched by CTI.  The Planning Commission sided with the Community and denied the application in February, 2025 that would allow CTI to remove a 70.6' tall wireless communication tower and replace it with a 151.1' tower and nine antennas at 186 Summit Road.  Now, the Board will consider the matter de novo.   How can you support this Community ?   Here is the link to the Board meeting agenda: https://santacruzcountyca.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=828     Hour Two: Guest Jami Wallace, resident of East Palestine, Ohio, discusses what happened in her Community in 2023 when a train derailed, producing a  toxic plume of smoke that sickened many.   Public safety agencies responsible for protecting the area failed to take action.  Jami spoke at a recent "Never Again Moss Landing" event at the Prunedale Grange, comparing the pattern of inaction with that of local, state and federal officials involved in the January 16, 2025 Vistra Battery Fire in Moss Landing.    What can people do?     What should Santa Cruz County residents do in the face of the Board of Supervisors set to approve three lithium battery energy storage systems (BESS) here, with the 90 Minto Road one in Watsonville quietly zooming through permitting process?   https://whyy.org/segments/two-years-after-east-palestine-train-derailment-health-risks/   https://neveragainmosslanding.org/   https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2F519407474020832%2F

Hour One: Sally Arnold describes Friends of Rail & Trail, recent opening of new trail serving the Westside, actions yet to come. https://www.railandtrail.org/ Hour Two: Brian Roeder describes Never Again Moss Landing results of Scientist Panel discussion held in Moss Landing, and the June 2 "Bigger Than Moss Landing" event with national science experts Dr. Beatrice Golamb and Scott Smith, as well as East Palestine, Ohio resident Jami Wallace. https://neveragainmosslanding.org/

Hour One: Never Again Moss Landing Event with Scientists on May 24 and discussion about three proposed BESS sites for Santa Cruz County..keeping pressure on elected officials to listen to the people! Hour Two: Barry Branin, Protect El Estero Bay and the Morro Bay City Council's two-year moratorium on new BESS ...not all San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors are listening.  Can Santa Cruz County residents fight the conversion of taking ag land out of production?  Listen for good advice.

Hour One: Gillian Greensite, Frank Barron & Keresha Durham discuss what the Santa Cruz City Council approved May 13 relating to the City's Downtown Expansion Plan for South of Laurel.  How tall could the future buildings be around the new Arena? Three city blocks slated for demolition, but how much affordable housing will there actually be? Hour Two: Diane Dutton-Jones discusses the well-attended "Stop Lithium BESS in Santa Cruz" public meeting held May 12 in Watsonville to inform the people living near proposed 90 Minto Road BESS project, already in permitting process.  Why isn't the Public allowed at the table to negotiate the County's new BESS Ordinance?  Who IS writing those regulations??? AND  Kris Kirby checks in about life after  pulling up roots in California and moving far away.  Any regrets?  What is her advice to those contemplating such a move?

Both hours devoted to discussing this massive and monumental project to convert 29 acres in Downtown Santa Cruz, South of Laurel.  The Santa Cruz City Council will consider this project May 13, making decisions that could forever change the character of Santa Cruz with buildings as high as 16-24 feet tall in an area prone to liquefaction and flooding.  Frank Barron and Keresha Durham point out that the EIR was rushed and inadequate, urging people to show up at the Council meeting to request Alternative #1 with Option B only.

1st Hour: Ross Gibson discusses County Historic Resources Commission's unnecessary quick action to de-list Redman-Hirahara Farmstead from the National Historic Registry and why preservation is critical of this iconic 1897 Victorian designed by William Weeks and highlighting the action Watsonville residents took to help the Hirahara Family keep their property upon returning from WWII imprisonment. https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2025/04/06/guard-dogs-seeking-landmark-demolition-ross-eric-gibson-local-history/   2nd Hour:  Brian Roeder discusses "Never Again Moss Landing" grassroots work to gather information and mobilize thousands of people harmed by the January 16, 2025 Vistra Battery Energy Storage System(BESS) fire in Moss Landing.  State and local help has been lacking, but the people are working to gather information to document their plight., and encourage people to keep pressure on elected representatives. https://neveragainmosslanding.org/ Nina Audino is working with others in Santa Cruz County to stop lithium BESS facilities planned at three locations.  One is already in permit process at 90 Minto Road in Watsonville, near dense subdivisions, the County's Fairgrounds evacuation site, and College Lake water source. The group meets 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 12:30-2pm, at Aptos Library https://www.facebook.com/groups/519407474020832/

1st Hour: Karell Reader describes the rich history of the Redman/Hirahara Farmstead, how residents rallied to help the Hirahara family and other Japanese-American citizens keep their land after imprisoned in WWII, The Foundation's attempt to preserve it, and now the County's drive to delist it from the National Historic Registry to enable demolition...unless a wealthy group can pool money to again save it to create a meaningful Pajaro Valley "Gateway" for future generations. Speak up at County Board of Supervisor meeting next month regarding de-listing this treasure, designed by local famous architect William Weeks. https://pajaronian.com/redman-hirahara-house-facing-final-chapter/ 2nd Hour: John Hall and Lira Filippini, organizers of Our Downtown, Our Future,  discuss the Santa Cruz City plan for Lot 4 to relocate the Farmers Market and cut down heritage trees to make room for an 8-story parking garage, library and affordable housing.  Measure S library bond funding has run out, leaving insufficient money to finish the new library but would have been adequate to renovate the existing library...and save the heritage trees for the urban forest needed for cooling and bird habitat.  Speak up at City Council meetings!   https://www.ourdowntownourfuture.org/

First Hour: Santa Cruz County Law Librarian Ms. Renee Flemming describes what help and information are available to navigate various legal issues with or without an attorney, and how the Library was established in 1896 by a County Ordinance, and is funded and managed today. Second Hour: Mr. Coty Sifuentes-Winters, Vegetation Ecologist and Project Manager for MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District describes the 2.5 acre project near Lexington Reservoir in the Sierra Azul Preserve to remove eucalyptus trees for fire hazard reduction and native habitat restoration. What was the CEQA process and who were the agencies that partnered with MidPen to fund and support the work?

First Hour: Ryan McCauley, MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District, discusses formation of the District in 1972, to acquire and protect 62,000 acres as 26 Preserves, most open to the public for hiking, funding second safe wildlife crossing under Hwy 17, and a pedestrian/equestrian overpass,  and improvement projects supporting further trail systems.  He shared the best wildflower hikes currently are in St. Joseph's Hill (Los Gatos) and Skyline Ridge (Hwy 35).  Host separately discussed recent appointment of Jesse Nickell, former VP of Barry Swenson Builder, by District 2 County Supervisor DeSerpa to County Planning Commission (he doesn't even live in D2!). Second Hour: Liza Schmidt, Survivor of Moss Landing Vistra Battery Fire, discusses what happened during and after the disaster, lack of protocol for local medical agencies, and health problems since the disaster that officials are ignoring.  Nina Audino, STOP Lithium BESS in Santa Cruz County, discusses upcoming Town Hall Meeting April 14 in Watsonville to provide residents information and action plans because local officials are silent and unresponsive in face of impending approval of new BESS Ordinance and three such facility locations (Paul Sweet Rd. near Dominican Hosp., Freedom Blvd. near Aptos High, and 90 Minto Road in Watsonville... in permitting process!

First Hour: Neil Pearlberg talks about what happened following his podcast with Senator John Laird about Moss Landing Battery Fire; importance of civil and  neutral "Off the Lip" public forums, convening a panel of experts to talk about lithium BESS alternatives, and wondering about why Downtown Santa Cruz is becoming full of high-rise buildings. Second Hour: Sean Dougherty, Green Party Committee leader describes April 5 "Lithium Fires Rally!"  at London Nelson Center, Vistra's contributions to elected leaders (Dawn Addis returned hers!) and alternatives to lithium battery energy storage systems (BESS) that Santa Cruz County needs to consider with panel of experts.  Phillip Carranco, regulatory policy expert call-in.

First Hour: Bryan Shields describes value and importance of Nor Cal Carpenters Union, Women in Construction Career Day (4/25), problems with W.E. O'Niel Construction Co. and ADCO Drywall & Metal Framing subcontractors at UCSC Hagar Construction Project. Urged letters to UC Regents to require working closely with local construction unions to include language in project pre-applications to ensure proper prevailing wages are paid and the Community is well-served. Second Hour: Kris Kirby discusses life in Grants Pass, Oregon since moving out of California, political activity there and transitioning from California.  Thinking of moving out?  Listen to what she has to say! Also, Nina Audino discusses STOP Lithium BESS in Santa Cruz County efforts and why the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors are refusing to hold town hall meetings with constituents before the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Ordinance that would approve three sites in the County for rezoning (90 Minto Road Watsonville, Freedom Blvd. Aptos, and Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz).  Urges education on the issues.

First Hour: Local topics re: Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects proposed in Santa Cruz County, County Board of Supervisor issues, Watsonville Gateway Project causing Redman-Hirahara House de-listing from National Historic Registry with the support of County Historic Resources Commissioner. Second Hour: Assemblymember Dawn Addis describes Moss Landing Vistra Fire disaster response and problems, and the importance of AB 303 to return local control over permitting Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in communities throughout the State.

Watsonville City officials kept many City Councilmembers in the dark regarding Monterey County's $8million grant-funded plan to bus homeless to a low-barrier shelter in parking lot of a Watsonville neighborhood, allowing the Community Action Board to run it with no experience in doing so.  The neighbors united, and appealed.  Only two Council members, Ari Parker and Casey Clarke, felt staff's lack of transparency and honesty regarding the zoning problems mattered and should be addressed.  Why?

Hour One: Gillian Greensite discusses why Santa Cruz City's Workforce Housing Solutions Act initiative makes claims that local workers would have preference for affordable housing but the City of Santa Cruz cannot verify such a claim could be upheld because the Grand Jury "Housing for Whom?" investigative report showed the City fails to track who gets affordable housing now, and keeps no data as to how much is given to UCSC students.  The Oversight Committee would only have one member of the public, chosen by the City Council. Hour Two: Kris Kirby sold her business and  moved out of California, leaving behind decades of connections to re-root in Grants Pass, Oregon.  What was that process like for her?  What would she do differently? How has she made new connections?  Any regrets??  Local elected officials there are willing to meet....and actively listen.  Here, Santa Cruz County Supervisors continue to bury their heads in the sand on the Moss Landing Battery Fire...and refuse to hold town hall meetings about the battery storage projects planned for Santa Cruz County...grassroots activism is afoot.